📰 PIB Notes – 13 August 2026
📅 Thursday, 13 August 2026
10 Topics Covered Today
⛏️ MMDR Amendment Bill 2026
💻 Semiconductors & IndiaAI Mission
⚡ India's Energy Landscape
🏭 NITI Aayog – Global Manufacturing Hub
🐯 ST Displacement in Tiger Reserves
🧬 BioE3 Policy
🧲 Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM)
🌿 NBA – ABS Proceeds (Mustard)
🔭 GARUD Binoculars – IOL
PIB Backgrounder – Ministry of Coal & Mines
⛏️ MMDR Amendment Bill, 2026 – Certainty & Uniformity in Mineral Taxation
📝 Key Notes
- Mining in India governed by the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act)
- Union controls mine regulation under Section 2 of the Act
- MMDR Amendment Bill, 2026 passed by both Houses of Parliament
- Creates a uniform and balanced fiscal framework for the mineral sector nationwide
- Restricts State governments from imposing new taxes on mineral rights/mineral-bearing lands without Central Government conditions
- Key provisions of the Bill:
- Union control over mineral-bearing lands: Central Govt will now also regulate mineral-bearing lands (in addition to existing control over mines and mineral development)
- New Section 9D: No tax, cess or levy by State Govt on mineral rights or mineral-bearing lands (whether based on quantity, value, royalty or any other basis) — allowed only under conditions prescribed by Central Government
- Treatment of past levies: Unpaid/uncollected past levies declared invalid; amounts already deposited shall not be refunded
- Section 13 amendment: Central Government empowered to make rules prescribing conditions for State levies
- Problems addressed by the Bill:
- Heavy and unpredictable tax burden; multiple taxes causing cascading effect
- Non-uniform rates among States; retrospective imposition of taxes
- Commercial unviability of mining; closure of mines
- Disproportionate impact on small and medium-scale miners
| BEFORE the Amendment | AFTER the Amendment |
|---|---|
| Mineral-bearing lands outside Union's regulatory reach | Mineral-bearing lands under Union regulation |
| Mining taxed differently in every State | Centre-directed single tax framework (Section 9D) |
| New levies could be imposed even after mining started | States cannot impose new levies without Centre's conditions |
| Retrospective tax demands could be raised at any time | All pending retrospective dues declared invalid |
MMDR Act, 1957
Parent Legislation being Amended
Section 9D
New Section Restricting State Mineral Levies
Section 2
Union's Control over Mine Regulation
Invalid
Status of Unpaid Past Retrospective Levies
📌 Prelims Extra Points
- MMDR Act, 1957 is the parent legislation governing mining regulation in India — under the Union List (Entry 54) of the Constitution
- Mines and minerals are a Union subject under the Constitution, though States can collect royalties as per Central Government rates
- Royalty = fee paid to government for extracting minerals; different from taxes — royalty rates are set by Central Government; States collect them
- The Bill follows the Supreme Court's 2024 judgment (State of Odisha v. Mineral Area Development Authority) which held that States have power to tax mineral rights — this amendment now overrides that by imposing Central conditions
- District Mineral Foundation (DMF) — created under MMDR Amendment 2015; funds collected from miners for welfare of mining-affected communities
- National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) — also created under MMDR 2015 to fund mineral exploration activities across India
- Critical minerals (like lithium, cobalt, REEs) were added to the MMDR Schedule through the MMDR Amendment Act, 2023
❓ Practice MCQ
Q. Which of the following correctly describes the key provisions of the MMDR Amendment Bill, 2026?
1. It introduces a new Section 9D prohibiting States from imposing any new tax or levy on mineral rights without conditions prescribed by the Central Government.
2. It brings mineral-bearing lands under Union regulatory control for the first time.
3. It validates all past retrospective tax demands imposed by States on mining companies.
4. It amends Section 13 to empower the Central Government to prescribe rules for State-level mineral levies.
Select the correct answer:
Statements 1, 2 and 4 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect — the Bill does the opposite: it declares all unpaid/uncollected past retrospective levies as invalid, not valid. However, amounts already deposited or recovered before commencement of the Amendment shall not be refunded. This is a key protection for mining investors against retrospective tax demands.
PIB Backgrounder – MeitY
💻 Semiconductor & AI Revolution – Powering India's Future
📝 Key Notes
- Semicon India Programme:
- Semicon 1.0: ₹76,000 crore outlay — laid foundation for India's semiconductor ecosystem
- Semicon 2.0: ₹1,27,500 crore outlay — approved in July 2026
- Six pillars of Semicon 2.0: chip design, semiconductor equipment and materials, fabrication facilities, advanced packaging, R&D, talent development
- Current semiconductor manufacturing status:
- 12 semiconductor projects approved across 6 States; investments > ₹1.64 lakh crore
- 3 facilities already commenced commercial production
- 211 chips taped out by 75 institutions by April 2026
- 7 chips successfully fabricated at various nodes including 12 nm
- Chips to Startup (C2S) programme:
- EDA tools deployed in 320 academic institutions
- Over 68,000 students trained
- Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme: 24 design projects approved; 105 startups/MSMEs for EDA tool support
- IndiaAI Mission — outlay: ₹10,372 crore
- AI computing: 45,000+ GPUs of shared compute capacity (June 2026)
- 237 projects accessed subsidised AI computing — 93.18 lakh GPU hours
- 20 indigenous foundation model proposals selected (from 506 applications): 12 Large Multimodal Models + 8 Small Language Models
- AI Kosh: 14,000+ datasets and 331 AI models (as of July 2026)
- 62 AI prototypes developed; 20 AI solutions deployed in public sector institutions
- 58 AI Centres of Excellence (CoEs) approved across States/UTs; 22 CoEs already initiated in 13 States/UTs
- 13 Responsible AI projects approved under Safe & Trusted AI pillar
- Data Centre capacity: 375 MW (2020) → ~1,575 MW (current)
- Global recognition:
- Stanford Global AI Vibrancy Report 2025: India ranked 3rd globally in AI competitiveness
- India: 2nd largest contributor to GitHub AI projects (2025)
- India AI Impact Summit 2026 (Feb 2026): 100+ countries, 92 countries adopted declaration
- India joined Pax Silica coalition (with USA) for resilient global silicon supply chains
- NM-ICPS (National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems): 25 Technology Innovation Hubs established across leading academic institutions
₹1,27,500 Cr
Semicon 2.0 Outlay (Approved Jul 2026)
₹10,372 Cr
IndiaAI Mission Outlay
45,000+ GPUs
Shared AI Compute Capacity
3rd Globally
India in Stanford AI Vibrancy Report 2025
📌 Prelims Extra Points
- Semicon India Programme launched in 2021 with ₹76,000 crore (Semicon 1.0); Semicon 2.0 (₹1,27,500 crore) approved July 2026
- EDA (Electronic Design Automation) tools — software platforms for designing, simulating, and verifying semiconductor chips; key for chip design capability
- Tape-out — process of sending a chip design to a manufacturer for fabrication; 211 chips taped out shows strong domestic design activity
- 12 nm node — refers to the manufacturing process size (smaller = more powerful, energy-efficient chips); 12 nm is an advanced process node
- AI Kosh — national data repository under IndiaAI Mission; provides datasets and AI models for researchers and developers
- Pax Silica — coalition launched at India AI Impact Summit 2026 to strengthen global silicon (semiconductor) supply chain resilience
- Large Multimodal Models (LMMs) — AI models that can process multiple types of inputs (text, images, audio); 12 such indigenous models selected under IndiaAI Mission
- GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) — specialised processor critical for AI model training; India now has 45,000+ GPUs in shared AI compute infrastructure
❓ Practice MCQ
Q. Consider the following about India's semiconductor and AI initiatives:
1. Semicon 2.0, approved in July 2026, has an outlay of ₹1,27,500 crore.
2. Under the Chips to Startup (C2S) programme, EDA tools were deployed in 320 academic institutions.
3. The IndiaAI Mission has an outlay of ₹10,372 crore and has expanded AI compute to 45,000+ GPUs.
4. India was ranked 1st globally in the Stanford Global AI Vibrancy Report 2025.
Which are CORRECT?
Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 4 is incorrect — India was ranked 3rd globally (not 1st) in the Stanford Global AI Vibrancy Report 2025 in AI competitiveness and ecosystem vibrancy. India is also the 2nd largest contributor to GitHub AI projects.
PIB Backgrounder – Multiple Energy Ministries
⚡ India's Energy Journey – Expanding Capacity, Strengthening Security
📝 Key Notes
- Total Installed Power Capacity: ~552 GW (July 2026), up from 249 GW in 2014
- Non-fossil capacity: 300.50 GW (>54% of total) as of 31 July 2026
- India ranks 3rd globally in renewable energy installed capacity
- Coal:
- Meets ~55% of primary energy needs; supports >70% of electricity generation
- India: world's 2nd largest coal producer and consumer
- Coal reserves: ~4,00,715 MT
- Production: 1,040.08 MT in FY25-26 vs 609.18 MT in FY14-15
- Thermal power plant coal imports fell to 45.4 MT (FY25-26) from 62.5 MT (FY24-25) — decline of 27.4%
- Surface Coal/Lignite Gasification Scheme (May 2026): ₹37,500 crore; target 75 MTPA coal gasification; national target 100 MT gasification by 2030
- Solar Power:
- Installed capacity: 164.59 GW (July 2026), up from 2.8 GW in 2014
- India: 2nd largest solar growth market in 2025 (added >37 GW vs USA's 34 GW)
- PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (Feb 2024): ₹75,021 crore for 1 crore HH; 51.58 lakh HHs benefiting; ₹28,024 crore subsidy transferred; 19 lakh HHs getting zero electricity bills; 14.8 GW rooftop solar commissioned
- PM Surya Sarovar Yojana (31 July 2026): ₹5,070 crore; 5,000 MW floating solar PV + 10,000 MWh storage (FY26-27 to FY30-31)
- Wind Energy:
- Installed: 58.14 GW; India ranks 4th globally in wind power
- Added 6.05 GW in FY25-26 — highest-ever annual addition; 46% higher than FY24-25
- Wind turbine manufacturing capacity: ~24 GW (Mar 2026), up from 10 GW in 2014; 70–80% indigenisation
- VGF scheme: ₹7,453 crore for 1 GW offshore wind (approved 19 June 2024)
- Green Hydrogen:
- National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM): ₹19,744 crore; target 5 MMT by 2030; ~8,000 tonnes/year capacity commissioned by Feb 2026
- India's first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell-powered train began operations on Jind–Sonipat section (July 2026)
- 12 pilot projects for 70 hydrogen-powered vehicles across 21 routes (July 2026)
- Bio-Energy:
- Bio-power capacity: 11.75 GW; CBG/Bio-CNG plants: 1,929 registered; 217 commissioned
- GOBARdhan (National Circular Bioenergy Scheme): ₹23,731 crore (FY26-27 to FY35-36); approved 6 August 2026; aims to ~10x domestic CBG production
- Hydro: Cumulative 57.24 GW; Small Hydro Scheme (March 2026): ₹2,584.60 crore for 1,500 MW addition (1–25 MW projects, hilly/NE regions)
- Nuclear: 8.78 GW installed; target 100 GW by 2047; projected 22.38 GW by 2031-32; PFBR at Kalpakkam achieved first criticality 6 April 2026
- SHANTI Act, 2025: Max nuclear incident liability = rupee equivalent of 300 million SDR; gives AERB statutory status; enables private sector participation
- Geothermal: National Policy on Geothermal Energy notified 15 September 2025; GSI estimated potential ~10,600 MW (based on 381 hot springs, 42 promising areas)
- LPG: Coverage 55.9% (2014) → 107.2% (2026); consumers 14.51 crore → 33.18 crore
- Samudra Manthan: ₹84,084 crore for offshore oil and gas exploration (approved 31 July 2026)
552 GW
Total Installed Power Capacity (Jul 2026)
164.59 GW
Solar Installed Capacity (Jul 2026)
58.14 GW
Wind Installed Capacity (Jul 2026)
300.50 GW
Non-Fossil Capacity (>54% of total)
₹19,744 Cr
National Green Hydrogen Mission Outlay
107.2%
National LPG Coverage (2026)
📌 Prelims Extra Points
- India ranks: 3rd in RE installed capacity | 4th in wind | 2nd solar growth market (2025)
- PM-Surya Ghar was launched in February 2024 with ₹75,021 crore for 1 crore rooftop solar households
- GOBARdhan = Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan; converts agricultural/organic waste to biogas and CBG (Compressed Bio-Gas)
- Floating Solar PV — solar panels installed on water bodies (reservoirs, lakes, ponds); saves land and reduces water evaporation
- VGF (Viability Gap Funding) — government grant to bridge financial gap for projects that are economically viable but not commercially viable without support
- SDR (Special Drawing Rights) — reserve asset created by IMF; not a currency but based on a basket of currencies (USD, EUR, CNY, JPY, GBP); used in SHANTI Act for nuclear liability cap
- AERB (Atomic Energy Regulatory Board) — India's nuclear safety regulator; given statutory status under SHANTI Act 2025
- Jind–Sonipat section in Haryana — location of India's first hydrogen fuel cell-powered train (July 2026)
- GSI (Geological Survey of India) — estimated geothermal potential of ~10,600 MW across 381 hot springs
❓ Practice MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements about India's energy sector (as of July–August 2026):
1. India's total installed power capacity reached approximately 552 GW, of which non-fossil sources account for over 54%.
2. India ranks second globally in renewable energy installed capacity.
3. India added its highest-ever annual wind capacity of 6.05 GW in FY 2025–26, which was 46% higher than the previous year.
4. India's first hydrogen fuel cell-powered train began operations on the Jind–Sonipat section in July 2026.
Which are CORRECT?
Statements 1, 3 and 4 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect — India ranks 3rd globally in renewable energy installed capacity (not 2nd). India ranks 2nd as a solar growth market specifically in 2025 (by new additions), and 4th globally in wind power capacity. The overall global RE ranking is 3rd.
NITI Aayog
🏭 NITI Aayog Report – Key Sectors for Global Manufacturing Hub
📝 Key Notes
- NITI Aayog released report: "Key Sectors to Position India as a Global Manufacturing Hub"
- Four sectors analysed in this edition: Chemicals, Textiles, Telecom & Networking Equipment, Solar PV manufacturing
- To be followed by reports on 8 more sectors
- Four-phase methodology: Shortlisting → Comprehensive Assessment → Benchmarking International Best Practices → Actionable Recommendations
- Textiles & Apparel (T&A) Sector:
- Contributes ~2% to national GDP, 11% to manufacturing GVA, 9% of merchandise exports
- Second-largest employer after agriculture — over 45 million people
- India exported textile products worth USD 37.7 billion in FY2025
- India: 6th largest textile exporter globally — accounts for 4.1% of global textile exports
- Telecom & Networking Equipment:
- India: world's 2nd largest telecommunications market with >1.2 billion subscribers
- ~85% telecom penetration; ~75% internet usage
- National Telecom Policy 2025 (NTP-25): targets doubling sector GDP contribution, doubling exports, creating 1 million new jobs by 2030
- Solar PV Sector:
- India had 106 GW solar capacity by March 2025
- Needs to add ~174 GW to meet 2030 target of 280 GW
- Domestic PV market: ~₹32,400 crore ($3.7 billion); projected CAGR of 17–20% (FY2023–FY2030)
- Chemical Sector: Three key segments — petrochemicals/organic chemicals (largest), specialty chemicals, inorganic chemicals
4 Sectors
Chemicals, Textiles, Telecom Equip., Solar PV
USD 37.7 Bn
India's Textile Exports in FY2025
45 Million+
Jobs in Textiles Sector
2nd Largest
India's Telecom Market (1.2 Bn subscribers)
📌 Prelims Extra Points
- India is the 6th largest textile exporter globally with 4.1% share of global exports (FY2025)
- Textile sector is India's 2nd largest employer after agriculture — about 45 million direct workers + additional indirect employment
- MMF (Man-Made Fibres) — a key growth area for Indian textiles; India is expanding MMF production to compete with China/Bangladesh
- Technical Textiles — high-performance textiles used in medical, defence, agriculture, construction sectors; high-growth area for Indian textiles
- National Telecom Policy 2025 (NTP-25) — targets: double telecom GDP contribution, double telecom exports, create 1 million jobs by 2030
- NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) — replaced Planning Commission in 2015; functions as a think tank and policy advisory body
- Solar PV target for India: 280 GW by 2030; India had 106 GW by March 2025; needed ~174 GW more
❓ Practice MCQ
Q. As per the NITI Aayog report on "Key Sectors to Position India as a Global Manufacturing Hub" (2026), which of the following is/are correct about India's Textiles & Apparel sector?
1. It contributes approximately 2% to national GDP and 11% to manufacturing GVA.
2. It is the largest employer in India, providing livelihoods to over 45 million people.
3. India is the 6th largest textile exporter globally, accounting for 4.1% of global exports.
4. India exported textile products worth USD 37.7 billion in FY2025.
Statements 1, 3 and 4 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect — the textiles sector is the second-largest employer after agriculture (not the largest). Agriculture remains India's largest employment sector. The textile sector employs over 45 million people.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs
🐯 Displacement of STs in Tiger Reserve Areas – Policy & Framework
📝 Key Notes
- NCST (National Commission for Scheduled Tribes) — mandated to inquire into complaints regarding deprivation of rights of STs, including displacement from Tiger Reserve areas
- Relocation of villages from Core/Critical Tiger Habitats is voluntary — as per:
- Section 38V(5) of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
- Section 4(2) of Forest Rights Act, 2006
- NTCA Guidelines (2012) — issued under Section 38O(1)(c) of WPA, 1972 — clearly outline principle of voluntary relocation
- Financial assistance for voluntary relocation enhanced from ₹10 lakh to ₹15 lakh per family in 2021
- Key safeguards:
- Gram Sabha's informed consent required before any relocation
- No eviction until recognition and verification of forest rights is complete — per Section 4(5) of FRA, 2006
- Monitoring through: State Level Monitoring Committee and District Level Implementing Committee (both include tribal welfare dept representatives)
- Rehabilitation package includes: settlement of rights, agricultural land, house construction, basic amenities, convergence with other Government schemes
- Implementation: by respective State Governments/UT Administrations; District Level Committees constituted for effective implementation
- Informed by MoS Tribal Affairs Shri Durgadas Uikey in Lok Sabha
₹15 Lakh
Financial Assistance per Family (Enhanced in 2021)
Voluntary
Nature of Tiger Reserve Village Relocation
Sec 4(5) FRA
No Eviction Until Rights Verification Complete
NTCA 2012
Guidelines on Voluntary Relocation Principles
📌 Prelims Extra Points
- Section 38V of WPA, 1972 deals with Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) — also known as Core area of Tiger Reserve; relocation from CTH must be voluntary
- Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) vs Buffer Zone — CTH is the inviolate core where human activity is restricted; Buffer zone allows limited human use
- NTCA (National Tiger Conservation Authority) — established under Section 38L of WPA, 1972; chaired by the Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change
- Section 4(5) of FRA, 2006 — critical provision: protects tribal communities from eviction until their forest right claims are fully recognised and verified
- Gram Sabha consent is mandatory — recognises community self-governance in forest governance under both FRA and PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas Act)
- Financial assistance increased: ₹10 lakh → ₹15 lakh per family in 2021 for voluntary relocation from Tiger Reserves
❓ Practice MCQ
Q. Under the existing legal framework governing village relocation from Tiger Reserve Core areas in India, which of the following is/are correct?
1. Relocation is voluntary as per Section 38V(5) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
2. Section 4(5) of the Forest Rights Act, 2006 stipulates that claimants cannot be evicted until the recognition and verification process is complete.
3. Financial assistance for voluntary relocation was enhanced from ₹10 lakh to ₹15 lakh per family in 2021.
4. Relocation of communities from Tiger Reserve buffer zones requires NTCA's direct order.
Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct and directly from the PIB source. Statement 4 is not supported by the PIB source and is incorrect in framing — the PIB source states that relocation from Core/Critical Tiger Habitats is voluntary and implemented by State Governments per prescribed guidelines; it does not state NTCA issues direct orders for buffer zone relocation. Buffer zones allow limited human activity and the framework for relocation is different.
Ministry of Science & Technology – DBT
🧬 BioE3 Policy – Biotechnology for Economy, Environment & Employment
📝 Key Notes
- BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) — under Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology
- Digital portal 'Sujivika' launched by DBT:
- Provides biotech import data
- Facilitates identification of indigenous bio-based products based on import data
- Promotes domestic manufacturing under Atmanirbhar Bharat
- Key focus areas:
- Converting agricultural residues, municipal organic waste, industrial biogenic waste into advanced fuels, chemicals and materials
- Development of biomass pretreatment, biocatalysts, microbial bioprocesses, and integrated bio-refinery platforms
- Bio-Enablers: Bio foundries and Bio AI Hubs for scale-up
- Environmental outcomes include:
- Alternatives to single-use plastics and polymers
- Converting lignocellulosic, industrial and organic waste to sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), specialty chemicals and biomaterials
- Engineered enzymes for waste valorization
- Carbon Capture Utilization Integrated Biomanufacturing
- Biorestoration of degraded ecosystems like Sunderbans
- BioE3 follows circular economy and net zero emission principles
- Implemented through inter-ministerial coordination
- KPIs include: reducing land use, GHG emissions, waste-to-value solutions, indigenized clean tech through biomanufacturing
- Informed by MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh in Rajya Sabha written reply
BioE3
Biotechnology for Economy, Environment & Employment
Sujivika
DBT Portal for Biotech Import Data
SAF
Sustainable Aviation Fuels (from waste)
Sunderbans
Biorestoration Project under BioE3
📌 Prelims Extra Points
- BioE3 Policy was launched in August 2024 — India's first comprehensive biotechnology policy for economic, environmental and employment goals
- DBT (Department of Biotechnology) — under Ministry of Science and Technology; established in 1986; promotes biotechnology research and development
- Bio-foundry — specialised facility that uses automation and synthetic biology tools to design, build, test and learn biological systems at scale
- Circular bioeconomy — economic model that uses biological resources sustainably, reducing waste and keeping materials in use longer
- Lignocellulosic biomass — plant-based biomass (agricultural residues like crop stalks, sugarcane bagasse) that can be converted to biofuels and chemicals
- Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) — alternative to conventional jet fuel produced from non-fossil sources; critical for decarbonising aviation
- Sunderbans — world's largest mangrove delta; in West Bengal and Bangladesh; biodiversity hotspot targeted for biorestoration under BioE3
❓ Practice MCQ
Q. The 'Sujivika' portal, launched by the Department of Biotechnology under the BioE3 Policy, is primarily intended for:
The 'Sujivika' portal launched by DBT provides biotech import data and facilitates identification of indigenous bio-based products based on import data — to promote domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on imported chemicals and materials (including fossil-derived ones) under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. This is explicitly stated in the PIB source.
Ministry of Heavy Industries
🧲 Rare Earth Permanent Magnet (REPM) Manufacturing Scheme
📝 Key Notes
- Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM):
- Approved by Union Cabinet on 26 November 2025
- Financial outlay: ₹7,280 crore
- Scheme Notification issued on 15 December 2025
- Target: Establish total capacity of 6,000 MTPA (Metric Tons Per Annum) of integrated REPM manufacturing in India
- 5 beneficiaries selected through global competitive bidding
- Each beneficiary: up to 1,200 MTPA
- Duration: 7 years from award date
- 2-year gestation period for setting up integrated facility
- 5 years for incentive disbursement on REPM sales
- 20 bids received through Global Tender on CPP portal (opened 13 August 2026)
- Key bidders include: L&T, Coal India Limited, Attero Recycling, Lohum Magnets, Skyroot-related (ReNew Private Limited), Proterial (India) Limited
- REPM (NdFeB — Neodymium-Iron-Boron) magnets:
- Among the most powerful magnets in the world
- Used in: electric vehicles, wind turbines, high-end electronics, aerospace and defence systems
- Scheme builds complete value chain from NdPr oxide to finished magnets
- Goals: Reduce import dependence in REPM; support Net Zero 2070 commitment; strengthen supply chains for domestic industries
₹7,280 Crore
REPM Scheme Financial Outlay
6,000 MTPA
Total Target REPM Manufacturing Capacity
5 Beneficiaries
1,200 MTPA Each (Global Competitive Bidding)
20 Bids
Received on CPP Portal (Aug 2026)
📌 Prelims Extra Points
- Rare Earth Elements (REEs) — group of 17 metals; includes Neodymium (Nd), Praseodymium (Pr), Dysprosium (Dy) used in REPM; China controls ~70% of global REE production
- NdFeB magnets (Neodymium-Iron-Boron) — most powerful type of permanent magnets; critical for EV motors and wind turbine generators
- NdPr oxide (Neodymium-Praseodymium oxide) — key rare earth input for sintered NdFeB magnets; currently largely imported
- Sintered magnets vs Bonded magnets — Sintered are stronger (used in EVs and wind turbines); bonded are weaker but cheaper
- Critical Minerals — India identified 30 critical minerals in 2023; REEs are among the most strategically important
- CPP Portal (Central Public Procurement Portal) — Government of India's unified procurement platform for tenders and bids
- REPM manufacturing is essential for India's EV transition and renewable energy goals — EVs use NdFeB motors; wind turbines use NdFeB generators
❓ Practice MCQ
Q. Consider the following about the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM):
1. The scheme was approved by the Union Cabinet with a financial outlay of ₹7,280 crore in November 2025.
2. It aims to establish 6,000 MTPA of REPM manufacturing capacity through 5 beneficiaries of 1,200 MTPA each.
3. NdFeB (Neodymium-Iron-Boron) magnets are widely used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, aerospace and defence.
4. The total scheme duration is 5 years, including a 2-year gestation period.
Which are CORRECT?
Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 4 is incorrect — the total scheme duration is 7 years (not 5 years) from the date of award: 2-year gestation period for setting up the integrated REPM manufacturing facility + 5 years for incentive disbursement on the sale of REPM products.
Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change – NBA
🌿 NBA Releases ₹15.52 Crore ABS Proceeds – Mustard Genetic Resources
📝 Key Notes
- National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) released ₹15.52 crore in Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) proceeds
- Source: M/s Pioneer Overseas Corporation developed 10 commercial mustard (Brassica juncea) hybrid varieties using India's biological resources
- Amount distributed to 26 State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) and 3 UT Biodiversity Councils (UTBCs)
- ABS share calculated based on area under mustard cultivation in each State
- Data sourced from ICAR-IIRMR (Indian Institute of Rapeseed-Mustard Research), Bharatpur, Rajasthan
- Key novel precedent: Since no single farmer/community was identifiable as source (parental lines from open market), NBA constituted an Expert Committee to work out ABS modalities
- In such cases, ABS shared among SBBs/UTBCs where the resource is cultivated
- Top recipients: Rajasthan (₹6.43 cr — ~42% of mustard cultivation) → UP (₹2.28 cr) → MP (₹1.86 cr)
- SBBs/UTBCs must utilise amount as per Section 32 of the Biological Diversity Act:
- Conservation-linked work; People's Biodiversity Registers; in-situ/ex-situ conservation; restoring degraded ecosystems; Biodiversity Heritage Sites; BMC capacity building; community livelihoods
- NBA total ABS released so far: ₹182.5 crore; ₹116.22 crore released in last 12 months
- Aligned with Nagoya Protocol and Target 13 of Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework on fair and equitable benefit sharing
₹15.52 Crore
ABS Proceeds Released (Mustard Varieties)
Rajasthan – 42%
Highest Mustard Cultivation Share (₹6.43 cr)
₹182.5 Crore
Total ABS Released by NBA So Far
26 SBBs + 3 UTBCs
Recipients of ABS Proceeds
📌 Prelims Extra Points
- NBA (National Biodiversity Authority) — statutory body under Biological Diversity Act, 2002; HQ: Chennai, Tamil Nadu; under MoEFCC
- ABS (Access and Benefit Sharing) — mechanism under Biological Diversity Act to ensure that benefits from use of India's biological resources are shared with local communities and States
- Nagoya Protocol — supplementary agreement to CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity); provides transparency in ABS of genetic resources; adopted in 2010 in Nagoya, Japan; entered into force 2014
- Kunming-Montreal GBF (Global Biodiversity Framework) — adopted at COP15 (2022); Target 13 specifically addresses ABS for genetic resources
- Biological Diversity Act, 2002 — three-tier structure: NBA (national) → State Biodiversity Board (state) → Biodiversity Management Committee (local)
- People's Biodiversity Register (PBR) — local register documenting biodiversity, traditional knowledge; maintained at Gram Panchayat/local body level
- ICAR-IIRMR (Indian Institute of Rapeseed-Mustard Research) — located in Bharatpur, Rajasthan; premier research institution for mustard and rapeseed crops
- Brassica juncea — Indian/brown mustard; one of the most important oilseed crops in India
❓ Practice MCQ
Q. Consider the following about the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) framework under India's Biological Diversity Act, 2002:
1. The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) is a statutory body under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
2. ABS proceeds from use of India's biological resources are distributed to State Biodiversity Boards and UT Biodiversity Councils.
3. The Nagoya Protocol on ABS is a supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
4. Under the Biological Diversity Act, SBBs must utilise ABS amounts for conservation-related activities as per Section 32.
Which of the above are CORRECT?
All four statements are correct as per the PIB source and established facts. (1) NBA is a statutory body under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. (2) ABS proceeds are distributed to State Biodiversity Boards and UT Biodiversity Councils. (3) The Nagoya Protocol is indeed a supplementary agreement to CBD. (4) Section 32 of the Biological Diversity Act mandates how SBBs/UTBCs must utilise ABS amounts for conservation-related activities.
Ministry of Defence – India Optel Limited
🔭 GARUD Binoculars – IOL's Indigenous Entry into Civil Market
📝 Key Notes
- India Optel Limited (IOL) — Mini Ratna Category-I Defence PSU under the Department of Defence Production
- Launched 'GARUD' High Resolution Binoculars for the civil market on 13 August 2026
- Developed and manufactured by Ordnance Factory, Dehradun (a unit of IOL)
- IOL has a legacy of precision optical manufacturing dating back to 1943
- GARUD specifications:
- Magnification: 8x
- Field of view: 7.6 degrees
- Diopter adjustment: ±5 diopter
- Weight: approximately 610 grams
- Weather-resistant construction; soft-touch eyecups; ergonomic grip
- Applications: Birdwatching, wildlife observation, nature exploration, travel, sports, forestry, marine activities, security
- Marks IOL's entry into the civilian optics market — making defence-grade optical capabilities available to the public
- Embodies Aatmanirbhar Bharat — indigenous design and manufacturing
- Launched in presence of Joint Secretary (Land Systems) Dr. Garima Bhagat at DPSU Bhawan, New Delhi
8x
GARUD Binocular Magnification
Mini Ratna-I
IOL Status (Defence PSU)
Since 1943
IOL's Precision Optical Manufacturing Legacy
610 grams
GARUD Weight (Portable Design)
📌 Prelims Extra Points
- IOL (India Optel Limited) — formerly known as Ordnance Factory Board unit; established in Dehradun; specialises in optical instruments for defence (binoculars, periscopes, night vision devices)
- Mini Ratna Category-I — DPSU status allowing greater financial and operational autonomy without government approval for investments up to ₹500 crore
- Department of Defence Production — under Ministry of Defence; oversees India's defence manufacturing ecosystem including DPSUs and Ordnance Factories
- India has 7 Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) post-reorganisation of Ordnance Factories in 2021
- Ordnance Factory, Dehradun — part of IOL; specialises in optical instruments; one of the oldest defence factories in India (established 1943)
- GARUD launch is part of dual-use technology strategy — making defence technology available to civilian markets, similar to DRDO's technology transfer initiatives
❓ Practice MCQ
Q. India Optel Limited (IOL), which launched the indigenous 'GARUD' binoculars for the civil market in August 2026, is classified as:
IOL (India Optel Limited) is a Mini Ratna Category-I Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence. It manufactures precision optical and opto-electronic products. GARUD binoculars are developed and manufactured by Ordnance Factory, Dehradun, a unit of IOL — with a legacy of precision optical manufacturing since 1943.
📚 Hindu Editorial Analysis Today
🎥 UPSC & TNPSC Video - Pdf Resources
🚀 Join Our Exam Preparation Community
Stay ahead in your preparation with daily exam-focused content, curated for UPSC, TNPSC, SSC and other competitive exams.
📲 Telegram Community
👉 5,000+ active aspirants
👉 50+ MCQs reflected in recent exams (2024 & 2025)
👉 Daily quizzes, PYQs & revision content
👉 Positive feedback from prelims-cleared candidates
▶️ YouTube Channel
👉 Daily Current Affairs videos
👉 Based on The Hindu, PIB, Government sources
👉 PYQ-focused explanation (UPSC, TNPSC)
👉 Short, exam-oriented analysis
📸 Instagram Updates
👉 Daily quick revision posts
👉 Exam facts & current affairs snippets
💼 LinkedIn
👉 Professional updates & exam insights
+Trusted by thousands of aspirants preparing for competitive exams